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Cluster initiatives Enhance the productivity of firms by easier access to specialized InputsEnhance the productivity of firms by easier access to specialized Inputs Increase the innovation potential of firms by rapid transfer of knowledgeIncrease the innovation potential of firms by rapid transfer of knowledge Stimulate Spin-offsStimulate Spin-offs Support the competitiveness of firms and regionsSupport the competitiveness of firms and regions Support the cooperation with the academic and scientific sectorSupport the cooperation with the academic and scientific sector Consolidate strategy among the cluster members and clustersConsolidate strategy among the cluster members and clusters Increase exportsIncrease exports … Benefits of clusters initiatives can be:

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Cluster initiatives Problems arising in cluster initiatives can be: Clusters don’t live forever – after reaching maturity guided Interventions are necessaryClusters don’t live forever – after reaching maturity guided Interventions are necessary Unsolved organizational issuesUnsolved organizational issues Insufficient marketing and communicating of the cluster to the target groupsInsufficient marketing and communicating of the cluster to the target groups FinancingFinancing Readiness to handle challenges is not sufficiently developedReadiness to handle challenges is not sufficiently developed Impact of benefits may differ among the regionsImpact of benefits may differ among the regions …

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European approach Cluster oriented policy improves the innovative strength and the growth of competitiveness of regionsCluster oriented policy improves the innovative strength and the growth of competitiveness of regions Cluster-approach is widely used in European nations and regions for policy programs, about 300 cluster and network initiativesCluster-approach is widely used in European nations and regions for policy programs, about 300 cluster and network initiatives Different stages and models of clusteringDifferent stages and models of clustering A co-operation of regional clusters in Europe could improve the innovative performance and the growth of companies, esp. of SMEs through an intensified know-how transfer, a higher innovative speed flexibility and productivityA co-operation of regional clusters in Europe could improve the innovative performance and the growth of companies, esp. of SMEs through an intensified know-how transfer, a higher innovative speed flexibility and productivity BUT: No organised networking and knowledge exchange between European Cluster InitiativesBUT: No organised networking and knowledge exchange between European Cluster Initiatives Clusters in Europe – status quo

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European approach – CLOE www.clusterforum.orgwww.clusterforum.org CLOE – Development of a European Network of Clusters  Identify and transfer good-practice tools and methods of Cluster Management  Foster co-operation between SMEs in the different partner clusters through thematic workshops and a competence platform  Jointly market the partner region‘s clusters